Veteran actor Zack Orji, a prominent member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), will not be left behind in his recovery journey after brain surgery, insisted actor Saidi Balogun, stating the party’s commitment to aid Orji’s recuperation.
Balogun, speaking to Saturday Beats, lauded the government’s proactive efforts and emphasized their dedication to Orji’s recovery, saying, “We are doing what we can. The authorities concerned were there and they did not abandon him, they rose up to the occasion. Before we can even stretch our hands, they (party) are stretching all their body to make sure he is okay.”
Addressing criticism faced by entertainers supporting President Bola Tinubu, Balogun acknowledged backlash but maintained they supported Tinubu for national advancement, stating, “We get a lot of backlash. As a matter of fact, some producers no longer call us for work, because they belong to the opposition. But, before I came into the ‘war’, I was prepared. I only pray that what they are blasting me for would be fruitful to me and the people too.”
“We did it for a purpose. I saw that this person (Tinubu) could help move the country forward.”
Amidst Orji’s health ordeal, First Lady Remi Tinubu, VP’s wife Nana Shettima, Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa, and Women Affairs Minister Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye visited and lent their support to the ailing actor.
However, controversies arose surrounding Orji’s hospital move, with the National Hospital refuting claims that he was referred elsewhere, stating the patient left against medical advice.
Emeka Rollas, President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, acknowledged supporting Orji and striving for governmental aid in terms of finance and moral support, while clarifying uncertainties about Orji’s enrollment in the guild’s health insurance scheme.
Zack Orji, a veteran figure in the film industry, faced criticism for supporting Tinubu in the 2023 elections, a decision that led to his appointment as the Director of Performing Arts of the APC’s Presidential Campaign Council.
